April 1, 2025
Gr 3-7-Set against the backdrop of an annual queer reunion in Provincetown, RI, the story follows four 13-year-olds-Mac, Milo, Lina, and Avery-who reunite for traditions, emotions, and revelations. Mac, who just failed seventh grade, is trying to figure out his next step; Avery is desperately seeking her dads' attention in ways that might cause more harm than good; Milo, a brilliant linguist, is navigating life as a trans teen while maintaining his twin connection with Lina and struggling with accepting a prestigious scholarship at a boarding school; Lina is questioning whether her bond with Avery could mean something more. Their week together forces them to their own shifting identities and relationships. The novel excels at portraying the emotional weight of being seen only as who you were, not who you are becoming. The adults come across as oblivious in their excitement, missing the deeper struggles their kids are facing. The story, set during Family Week, is jam-packed with traditions, from whale-watching to lobster dinners, grounding the characters in shared history even as they struggle with their individual futures. The pacing is lively, though the quippy dialogue sometimes feels overly sophisticated for tweens wrestling with serious issues. Still, the characters' journeys are compelling and reflect the novel's central theme: growing up doesn't mean leaving or staying, it means choosing what is right for yourself. VERDICT An engaging, introspective read that balances humor with heartfelt emotion, capturing the joy, pain, and uncertainty of adolescence in a way that will resonate with young readers navigating their own paths.-Lee Gardner
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